The 2008 EX35 shares the FM platform with the G35/G37 and uses Nissan's VQ35HR V6. While generally solid, this first model year suffers from catastrophic engine failures due to galley gasket defects and typical Nissan CVT longevity issues that plague the entire brand during this era.
Catastrophic Engine Failure - Gallery Gasket Oil Starvation
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Low oil pressure warning at idle when engine is hot, Ticking or knocking from upper engine that worsens with RPM, Sudden loss of power followed by complete engine seizure, Metal shavings in oil during routine changes
Fix: The VQ35HR has a known defect where internal oil gallery gaskets fail, starving bearings and camshafts of oil. Once knocking starts, damage is done—requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. 25-35 labor hours for long block swap, more for full rebuild with machine work.
Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000
RE5R05A 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 shift with hesitation or flare, Shuddering during light acceleration between 30-50 mph, Transmission slipping into limp mode (stuck in 3rd gear), Whining noise from transmission area that changes with vehicle speed, Burnt fluid smell or dark brown fluid on dipstick
Fix: The RE5R05A is notoriously weak behind the VQ35. Valve body failures and clutch pack burnout are the main culprits. Fluid changes every 30k can delay but not prevent failure. Rebuild is 12-16 hours, but most shops recommend reman unit due to core damage.
Estimated cost: $3,800-5,500
Transfer Case Oil Pump Failure (AWD Models)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or howling noise from center of vehicle during acceleration, AWD warning light illuminated on dashboard, Burning smell after highway driving, Complete loss of AWD function, FWD only operation
Fix: The transfer case oil pump fails, starving internal components. If caught early with just pump replacement, 6-8 hours labor. If run too long, entire transfer case needs replacement at 10-14 hours due to bearing and chain damage.
Estimated cost: $1,800-4,200
Steering Column Lock Module Failure
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Steering wheel will not unlock when pressing start button, Clicking or grinding noise from steering column at startup, Intermittent no-start condition with 'steering lock malfunction' message, Battery drain if module motor jams in locked position
Fix: Electronic steering lock motor and control module fail, leaving you stranded. This is a known Nissan/Infiniti defect across multiple models 2007-2012. Replacement is 2-3 hours, but Infiniti issued a service campaign. Check if already performed—some owners disable/remove the unit entirely as a preventive measure.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Wear
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle for 2-3 seconds that disappears when warm, Metallic rattling from front of engine at idle, Check engine light with P0011 or P0021 camshaft timing codes, Rough idle and poor throttle response
Fix: VQ35HR primary and secondary chain tensioners wear, allowing slack. Guides also deteriorate. If caught early, replace tensioners, guides, and chains preventatively. 8-12 hours labor depending on how deep you go. If ignored, chain can skip or break, causing valve-to-piston contact.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Radiator and Transmission Cooler Cross-Contamination
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky fluid on transmission dipstick (coolant mixing with ATF), Transmission overheating and erratic shifting, Coolant level drops without external leaks, Strawberry milkshake appearance in coolant overflow tank
Fix: Internal transmission cooler inside radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the transmission. Requires immediate radiator replacement, external cooler installation, full transmission flush or replacement if contamination progressed. 10-18 hours total if trans needs rebuild.
Estimated cost: $2,500-6,000
Fuel Sending Unit and Pump Assembly Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Fuel gauge reads full when tank is empty or bounces erratically, Intermittent no-start or stalling when fuel level is below half tank, Whining noise from rear of vehicle that increases with electrical load, Check engine light with fuel system lean codes (P0171, P0174)
Fix: Sending unit float arm breaks or resistor fails, causing gauge issues. Pump itself can fail causing stalling. Requires fuel tank drop for access. 3-4 hours labor. OEM assembly is expensive, aftermarket options available but quality varies.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Hard pass unless you find one with documented engine replacement, transmission service records, and external trans cooler already installed—even then, budget $3k-5k for deferred maintenance within the first year.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.